Nica Libre - Page 3

Blueface · 03-28-2010, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenstogie

I bought them based on the blender not that they are supposedly like Padrons. I think that's just some BS marketing. Haven't had one yet as they need a weeks rest in the humi to stblize the RH. If I like them I'll smoke them if I don't I will let them rest. Not sure what the NST trade is as my B/B won't go there but if you can have a Fog set you up with some tried and true good stix it's a great idea.
Posted via Mobile Device

I figure I will let the other four rest for a while before I go back to them.

03-28-2010, 12:21 PM

I smoked through 5 of the Nica Libra Torps. I thought they were crap.

kenstogie · 03-29-2010, 01:23 PM

I have just decided. The Nica Libre will be tonights cigar, computer in hand at least a pencil anyway and will see if they suck or not. If they do I'll let em rest for 6 months and revisit.

longknocker · 03-29-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenstogie

I have just decided. The Nica Libre will be tonights cigar, computer in hand at least a pencil anyway and will see if they suck or not. If they do I'll let em rest for 6 months and revisit.

Give Us Your Review, Please, Ken! Thanks, Brother!

kenstogie · 03-29-2010, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longknocker

Give Us Your Review, Please, Ken! Thanks, Brother!

Well after putting the little one to bed wasn't sure I'd have the time but forged ahead and plucked the smallest one, a robusto size I guess. I didn't have high expectations based on other reviews here but I've heard that AJ Fernandez was the blender (Man O' War, Diesel etc) so you never know so the stick could be anything.

PRELIGHT- Smell was nothing spectacular and it was a little spongy but often when I get cigars from CI they seem a little wet so whatever. Look of the construction seemed good to very good with and very EZ draw.

LIGHT- Light had a hint of spice/nut and was intrigued on first taste as was pretty much the first 5 mins. Had a lot of very creamy smoke and realized there was some depth to this cigar.

THE REST- the rest of the cigar went from creamy richness choco/coffee/nut with just a hint of spice and rotated those flavors at random.

CONCLUSION - I thoroughly enjoyed and in fact LOVED this cigar and for me compared with many $8-10 cigars. It never got hot until the very end. The only down side was that I did notice the back of the throat thing but lasted for just a moment or two so not to big of a minus at all. For me it gets a solid A and when you factor in the $2 price tag maybe a little higher. If all the cigars in the pack are like this one it's a BIG win, highly recommend.

OHRD · 03-30-2010, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenstogie

Well after putting the little one to bed wasn't sure I'd have the time but forged ahead and plucked the smallest one, a robusto size I guess. I didn't have high expectations based on other reviews here but I've heard that AJ Fernandez was the blender (Man O' War, Diesel etc) so you never know so the stick could be anything.

PRELIGHT- Smell was nothing spectacular and it was a little spongy but often when I get cigars from CI they seem a little wet so whatever. Look of the construction seemed good to very good with and very EZ draw.

LIGHT- Light had a hint of spice/nut and was intrigued on first taste as was pretty much the first 5 mins. Had a lot of very creamy smoke and realized there was some depth to this cigar.

THE REST- the rest of the cigar went from creamy richness choco/coffee/nut with just a hint of spice and rotated those flavors at random.

CONCLUSION - I thoroughly enjoyed and in fact LOVED this cigar and for me compared with many $8-10 cigars. It never got hot until the very end. The only down side was that I did notice the back of the throat thing but lasted for just a moment or two so not to big of a minus at all. For me it gets a solid A and when you factor in the $2 price tag maybe a little higher. If all the cigars in the pack are like this one it's a BIG win, highly recommend.

Great review Ken! I'm telling y'all, this is a good smoke!

Volt · 03-30-2010, 07:28 AM

You fond the Nl the same way I do. Your just better with the review

. I would like it for $5 - $6 a stick, at ~$2.00 it's a definite keeper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenstogie

Well after putting the little one to bed wasn't sure I'd have the time but forged ahead and plucked the smallest one, a robusto size I guess. I didn't have high expectations based on other reviews here but I've heard that AJ Fernandez was the blender (Man O' War, Diesel etc) so you never know so the stick could be anything.

PRELIGHT- Smell was nothing spectacular and it was a little spongy but often when I get cigars from CI they seem a little wet so whatever. Look of the construction seemed good to very good with and very EZ draw.

LIGHT- Light had a hint of spice/nut and was intrigued on first taste as was pretty much the first 5 mins. Had a lot of very creamy smoke and realized there was some depth to this cigar.

THE REST- the rest of the cigar went from creamy richness choco/coffee/nut with just a hint of spice and rotated those flavors at random.

CONCLUSION - I thoroughly enjoyed and in fact LOVED this cigar and for me compared with many $8-10 cigars. It never got hot until the very end. The only down side was that I did notice the back of the throat thing but lasted for just a moment or two so not to big of a minus at all. For me it gets a solid A and when you factor in the $2 price tag maybe a little higher. If all the cigars in the pack are like this one it's a BIG win, highly recommend.

Blueface · 03-30-2010, 07:47 AM

P.S.
Just want to add that I personally feel it is an injustice to both companies to compare this cigar to a Padron Anniversary.
It sets a very high bar it can't compete with.
I can understand why folks make the comparison given the band, the shape, the shade and the manufacturer's marketing (all same vitola as Padron named the same as Padron Annis).
It is like Shop Rite cola v. Coke. They are both cola. That is it.
Never the less, I will pick up some more Principes as you just can't beat that price.

However, the Principe, standing on its own right, was an enjoyable smoke and certainly a great value at $2. Again, not sure what has happened to me and if the norm but 3 out of 5 in the pack have significant voids in the middle as shown in the above photos. For that reason (coupled with how fast this burned on me), I can't see spending $5-6 as some have said they would pay. To me, there is a reason why a Principe from Padron is around $10 and I am willing to pay for that difference. Some may not. Some may not be able to even if they wanted to. That is all personal.

As I always say and always follow..............don't take anyone's word. Try it yourself and if you like it, so may it be.
So far, of the two vitolas I have tried, praise for the Principe for flavor and enjoyment while to hell with the Exclusivo which I will never try again, not even if they sold them at $1.

dannysguitar · 03-29-2010, 02:16 PM

I smoked 1 yesterday in the afternoon with some bourbon and diet coke and I really liked it. I'm considering a box purchase :-)

longknocker · 03-29-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannysguitar

I smoked 1 yesterday in the afternoon with some bourbon and diet coke and I really liked it. I'm considering a box purchase :-)

Guess "The Jury Is Still Out"!

ripper · 03-29-2010, 02:30 PM

Would like to think (?) I have advanced tastes -- been smoking cigars 48 years. I smoke cigars after every meal. Am a regular for Padron 4000, 5000 and 1926 Anniversary cigars.
Nica Libre is not a Padron. The Nica Libre construction is vapid, almost airy. The wrapper is ragged.
But I have been working my way through a Nice Libre sampler -- and the more I smoke, the more I like them.
Surprised me how eventful the cigar was. Especially the final third -- it's a lip-burner. Has an emphatic after-taste that may repel some, but this is a good budget smoke.

Blueface · 03-29-2010, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripper

Has an emphatic after-taste that may repel some, but this is a good budget smoke.

Glad I am not nuts nor is my dad.
It is quite a distinct and unwelcome after taste in my opinion.
Bitter in fact.

Again, I don't think anyone should ever NOT smoke a cigar due to someone's review.
I think everyone should try for themselves as tastes vary so, so much.
Who cares what I like? Should only matter to me.

I am going to sit on the other four for a bit to see if resting them changes it a bit and will eventually smoke the remaining four. Need to call dad to see if he has tried any of his remaining four since this smoke of ours over the weekend.

Blueface · 03-29-2010, 02:53 PM

Just spoke to dad.
He smoked the Principe version and didn't find that bitter taste he picked up on the larger Exclusivo version.
Wasn't a Padron but did enjoy the smoke.

So...........for now, will write it off as maybe we got two bad sticks with the Exclusivo and the others may be better. Will give the Principe a shot tomorrow and see. If not to my liking, will go back to concept of sitting on them a while.

OHRD · 03-30-2010, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

Just spoke to dad.
He smoked the Principe version and didn't find that bitter taste he picked up on the larger Exclusivo version.
Wasn't a Padron but did enjoy the smoke.

So...........for now, will write it off as maybe we got two bad sticks with the Exclusivo and the others may be better. Will give the Principe a shot tomorrow and see. If not to my liking, will go back to concept of sitting on them a while.

The Principe is what I had and was blown away, considering the price - maybe this is their standout size.

Still no info on the cigar though, some have said its an AJ Fernandez...anyone?

68TriShield · 03-29-2010, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

Who cares what I like? Should only matter to me.

I care what you like Carlos

Blueface · 03-29-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68TriShield

I care what you like Carlos

Don't know what to say.
I never expected anyone to care.
I am lost for words.

Don Fernando · 04-05-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

Glad I am not nuts

Keep telling that to yourself Carlos

dannysguitar · 03-29-2010, 02:36 PM

I agree. Not a Padron, but a good value smoke in it's own right.

kenstogie · 03-30-2010, 06:38 AM

After checking out the sizes I believe I had the Principe. (4.5" x 46)
Checking on the blender, now.

kenstogie · 03-30-2010, 06:51 AM

According to this sight it is AJ Fernandez.
http://robustojoe.com/cigar-blends

Here's a cached page (no longer live) from cigar.com
“The tale of the tape…”
When Cigar.com billed the Nica Libre as an alternative to the Padron Anniversary maduro, I just had to see this for myself. I mean, how could a $2 cigar stand up to an icon of cigar supremacy costing four times that amount? Was this a case of David vs. Goliath in the valley of Jalapa? Upon learning that Abdel (A.J.) Fernandez was the brain behind the Nica Libre blend, I promptly ordered a box. I have enjoyed everything AJ has created from the Padilla Habano to the Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet, and felt I had nothing to lose by getting a box of the Libre, sight unseen, especially at $2/stick.

This sampler also indicates that AJ is the blender
A.J. Fernandez Dirty Dozen Sampler (12 Cigars) $29.95

I have found nothing to the contrary of AJ being the blender.

I am telling you AJ Fernandez is following the footsteps of DPG. JMHO of course.

03-28-2010, 12:21 PM	#2
pitbulljimmy Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Nica Libre I smoked through 5 of the Nica Libra Torps. I thought they were crap.

03-29-2010, 01:23 PM	#3
kenstogie following the whiterabbit Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 1,325 Trading: (3)	Re: Nica Libre I have just decided. The Nica Libre will be tonights cigar, computer in hand at least a pencil anyway and will see if they suck or not. If they do I'll let em rest for 6 months and revisit. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

03-30-2010, 07:47 AM	#8
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: Nica Libre P.S. Just want to add that I personally feel it is an injustice to both companies to compare this cigar to a Padron Anniversary. It sets a very high bar it can't compete with. I can understand why folks make the comparison given the band, the shape, the shade and the manufacturer's marketing (all same vitola as Padron named the same as Padron Annis). It is like Shop Rite cola v. Coke. They are both cola. That is it. Never the less, I will pick up some more Principes as you just can't beat that price. However, the Principe, standing on its own right, was an enjoyable smoke and certainly a great value at $2. Again, not sure what has happened to me and if the norm but 3 out of 5 in the pack have significant voids in the middle as shown in the above photos. For that reason (coupled with how fast this burned on me), I can't see spending $5-6 as some have said they would pay. To me, there is a reason why a Principe from Padron is around $10 and I am willing to pay for that difference. Some may not. Some may not be able to even if they wanted to. That is all personal. As I always say and always follow..............don't take anyone's word. Try it yourself and if you like it, so may it be. So far, of the two vitolas I have tried, praise for the Principe for flavor and enjoyment while to hell with the Exclusivo which I will never try again, not even if they sold them at $1. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian Last edited by Blueface; 03-30-2010 at 07:55 AM.

03-29-2010, 02:16 PM	#9
dannysguitar Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Danny Location: SoCal Posts: 734 Trading: (36)	Re: Nica Libre I smoked 1 yesterday in the afternoon with some bourbon and diet coke and I really liked it. I'm considering a box purchase :-) __________________ Proud Member of Team Death! aka PBC *Follow Me on Twitter*

03-29-2010, 02:30 PM	#11
ripper Busy doing nothing Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bart Location: Gig Harbor WA Posts: 497 Trading: (12)	Re: Nica Libre Would like to think (?) I have advanced tastes -- been smoking cigars 48 years. I smoke cigars after every meal. Am a regular for Padron 4000, 5000 and 1926 Anniversary cigars. Nica Libre is not a Padron. The Nica Libre construction is vapid, almost airy. The wrapper is ragged. But I have been working my way through a Nice Libre sampler -- and the more I smoke, the more I like them. Surprised me how eventful the cigar was. Especially the final third -- it's a lip-burner. Has an emphatic after-taste that may repel some, but this is a good budget smoke. __________________ Ripper

03-29-2010, 02:53 PM	#13
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: Nica Libre Just spoke to dad. He smoked the Principe version and didn't find that bitter taste he picked up on the larger Exclusivo version. Wasn't a Padron but did enjoy the smoke. So...........for now, will write it off as maybe we got two bad sticks with the Exclusivo and the others may be better. Will give the Principe a shot tomorrow and see. If not to my liking, will go back to concept of sitting on them a while. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

03-29-2010, 02:36 PM	#18
dannysguitar Feeling at Home Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Danny Location: SoCal Posts: 734 Trading: (36)	Re: Nica Libre I agree. Not a Padron, but a good value smoke in it's own right. __________________ Proud Member of Team Death! aka PBC *Follow Me on Twitter*

03-30-2010, 06:38 AM	#19
kenstogie following the whiterabbit Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 1,325 Trading: (3)	Re: Nica Libre After checking out the sizes I believe I had the Principe. (4.5" x 46) Checking on the blender, now. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

03-30-2010, 06:51 AM	#20
kenstogie following the whiterabbit Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 1,325 Trading: (3)	Re: Nica Libre According to this sight it is AJ Fernandez. http://robustojoe.com/cigar-blends Here's a cached page (no longer live) from cigar.com “The tale of the tape…” When Cigar.com billed the Nica Libre as an alternative to the Padron Anniversary maduro, I just had to see this for myself. I mean, how could a $2 cigar stand up to an icon of cigar supremacy costing four times that amount? Was this a case of David vs. Goliath in the valley of Jalapa? Upon learning that Abdel (A.J.) Fernandez was the brain behind the Nica Libre blend, I promptly ordered a box. I have enjoyed everything AJ has created from the Padilla Habano to the Sol Cubano Cuban Cabinet, and felt I had nothing to lose by getting a box of the Libre, sight unseen, especially at $2/stick. This sampler also indicates that AJ is the blender A.J. Fernandez Dirty Dozen Sampler (12 Cigars) $29.95 I have found nothing to the contrary of AJ being the blender. I am telling you AJ Fernandez is following the footsteps of DPG. JMHO of course. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.